Phono preamp suggestions; can I improve upon my Aesthetix Rhea Sig ?

Good to know your are heading toward happiness and remaining with the Rhea.  I also have had a Rhea in my system for many years.  I recently bought a new table and thought about the phone stage also but decided to get the Eclipse upgrade.   Haven't got it back yet but I hear and read that  the resolution is incredible. 

@skinzy 

Glad that your new turntable and cartridge are settling in nicely and sound better than your previous configuration. Agree, love the experience of listening to new equipment and being happy after hearing improvements. 

Xagwell, please report back once you get the upgraded Rhea back. I looked at that option but am a little hesitant as my Rhea is 16 years old and upgraded to Signature just a few years ago. 

"There is quite an improvement in SQ over my VPI Aries 2 and Grado Statement 2 cart."

That's a nice table you have there skinzy. Enjoy.

If you're still curious about other tube options, have you looked at the NVO?

It was the buzz in the forums awhile ago. Rarely see them listed.

Skinzy my Rhea Eclipse is scheduled to be returned on the 10th and I am sitting on the "edge of m,y seat."  Given the pandemic. parts, and staffing the turn around was 12 weeks instead of the usual 6.  Aesthetix has advised me that the complete break in is approximately 400 hours with 80% at around 250 hours.  Like you my Rhea is 16 years old as well.  They report the Signature upgrade doubles the standard Rhea and the eclipse doubles the signature in terms of resolution.  Out of the box they report improvement in sound-stage depth and extended bass although less controlled  but "really" improves in a short time.  I'll see how my sub reacts.  Anyway I'm keeping you updated as requested and let you know how it sounds.  FWIW I have a Basis 2800/Vector 4 Arm/Hana Umami Red and my "go to" is "Jackson, Johnson, Brown & Company issued by Pablo.